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What is the link between two ancient constellations and modern medicine? According to one myth, how did Ophiuchus end up in the sky? Why would a healer be associated with a snake?

Serpens and Ophiuchus - Ancient Tales

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The cult of Asclepius as a god was popular in many parts of ancient Greece, and the Romans also adopted the deity. His temples were widespread. Here is a statue of Asclepius exhibited in the Museum of Epidaurus Theatre. The temple complex was built there in around the 5th century BCE. He's holding his staff with the snake coiled around it.



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The Bowl of Hygieia has been used as a symbol of the pharmaceutical profession for over 200 years, at least since 1796 when it was used on a coin minted for the Parisian society of pharmacy. Hygieia, the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation, was a daughter of Asclepius. While her father was a healer, Hygieia was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. The word "hygiene" is derived from her name.

[image: www.ipharmd.net/images/blue_bowl_of_hygeia.png]

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Here's a nicely-colored version of the illustration from the Flamsteed star atlas of Serpens and Ophiuchus. John Flamsteed was the first Astronomer Royal at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.

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There are two symbols commonly associated with medicine. The one with a snake circling a staff is the Rod of Asclepius associated with the classical god of healing. Although there is some similarity, the two-snake symbol, the Caduceus, was actually a symbol of Hermes (Roman Mercury). The wings are a bit of a giveaway here, as Hermes/Mercury was the winged messenger of the gods. He was also the god of thieves, commerce and travellers.


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